Gift shopping can take a lot of humming and hawing, even when you've narrowed your choice down to something universally coveted like makeup. To make the decision process simpler and faster for you, we've scoured the beauty scene and curated a list of five prettiest makeup collections that would delight just about anyone. These limited-edition releases tick all the boxes from awe-inspiring packaging to glamorous shades, all nicely presented in gorgeous boxes to match.
#1 NARS Holiday Collection
Photo from NARS
NARS' holiday collection this year has bestsellers and rising stars decked out in exclusive glitter-dipped packaging.
Sleek and minimalist, the All That Glitters Light Reflecting Cheek Palette ($90) and Endless Nights Eyeshadow Palette ($90) are dressed in white with gold glitter. Inside are all the shades you need to light up your cheeks and eyes with luxe, high-pigment colour.
The Starlight Powermatte Lipstick ($47) has also been given a glamorous touch in a holiday-edition silver case with glitter.
The collection also includes dainty stocking stuffers like the Mini Dolce Vita Blush Duo ($45) that doubles as a tree ornament. It contains a Mini Blush and a cream-to-powder Mini Multiple.
The NARS Holiday Collection is available at all NARS stores and selected products are available at retailers and on sephora.sg.
#2 Clé de Peau Beauté's Toward the Horizon Collection
Photo from Clé de Peau Beauté
Clé de Peau Beauté has just unveiled a stunning mermaid-inspired collection in the most exquisite packaging. Think whimsical blues and greens, fairytale-esque watercolour illustrations of aqua-scapes, iridescent bubbles and sea creatures. These undersea motifs can be found on the box packaging, the makeup compacts, and even as embossed patterns on the powders and lipstick bullets.
The makeup line consists of the Luminizing Face Enhancer ($140), a highlighter made with precious opal powder and premium Argan oil, two Lipsticks ($92) that create a radiant finish with lasting moisture, and the new Eye Color Quad ($125) that comes with three richly-pigmented shades and a tone-correcting primer.
The collection also includes some of Clé de Peau Beauté’s most iconic skincare products: Serum ($390), Cleansing Oil ($95), Softening Cleansing Foam ($95) and La Crème ($900).
Clé de Peau Beauté's Towards the Horizon Collection is available at Clé de Peau Beauté Mandarin Gallery Flagship Store, Takashimaya, Radiance Counter at Metro Paragon, TANGS at Tang Plaza, Isetan Scotts and BHG Bugis.
#3 Estée Lauder's Holiday 2023 Collection
Photo from Estée Lauder
The celestial constellation is the inspiration behind this year's holiday packaging at Estée Lauder.
The Stellar Lipstick Collection Holiday Makeup Gift Set ($99) has five party-ready shades from nude to festive red in golden tubes and vividly coloured caps encrusted with gold-tone star motifs. As a final magical touch, the lipstick bullets are also engraved with celestial-inspired patterns. These creamy, smooth and full coverage cream lipsticks promise perfectly sculpted lips.
Something even more swoon-worthy is The Night Is Yours Makeup Collection ($108), an all-in-one palette fashioned like a clutch bag. This compact palette comes with 16 shades for eyes, cheeks and lips to create a variety of glamorous looks.
Estée Lauder's Holiday 2023 Collection and gift sets are available in stores and online on esteelauder.com.sg and sephora.sg.
#4 Laura Mercier Celestial Celebration Holiday Collection
Photo from Laura Mercier
Inspired by the night sky, Laura Mercier's holiday collection is wrapped in deep blue or lusicous cream packaging covered in celestial motifs.
Too spoilt for choice? Go for the universal favourites like the Guiding Star Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Puff ($73). The set comes with the cult-favourite loose setting powder and a signature velour puff. It also comes in a cute ornament version, Cosmic Light ($26).
The collection is available in stores and online on sephora.sg and Laura Mercier's Lazada flagship store.
#5 MAC Cosmetics' Bizarre Blizzard Bash Collection
Photo from MAC Cosmetics
It's an icy wonderland at MAC Cosmetics this season, where their most well-loved products have been given a new snowy white look with a touch of chrome-like shine. The collection also comes in fully recyclable and responsibly sourced cartons.
The Snowbody'S Business and Squall Goals Eyeshadow Palettes ($73 and $46) feature all-new and best-selling colours in matte to frost textures. The hues are housed in gorgeous palettes with a 3D chrome design.
Another standout is the Colour Extra Dimension Skinfinish ($71) in the same cool, reflective packaging. The highlighter shade is a holiday exclusive, a reflective rose-gold shade embossed with a snowflake design.
Photo from MAC Cosmetics
Shop the MAC Cosmetics Bizarre Blizzard Bash Collection on sephora.sg and the Lazada Flagship Store.
#6 Clinique's Plenty Of Pop Lipstick Set
Photo from Clinique
Five luscious shades of Clinique's Pop Lip Colour + Primer - Bare Pop, Cherry Pop, Mocha Pop, Berry Pop, and Plum Pop - are dressed in colourful tubes covered with silver lines reminiscent of diamond optical effects. They're beautifully packaged in a diamond-shaped gift box that's ready for gifting right away - best for last-minute shoppers.
This lip-loving formula helps smooth and condition lips while delivering saturated colour and a weightless, velvety finish.
Shop Clinique's Plenty Of Pop Lipstick Set on sephora.sg for $49.
#7 Bobbi Brown's Golden Glamour Collection
Photo from Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown's latest holiday collection shines bright in luxurious, limited-edition packaging with embossed sun motifs.
The glitzy line-up comprises of the Luxe Cheek & Highlight Palette ($85), Luxe Lipstick ($60), Luxe Eye Shadow Duos ($66), City Glamour Eye Shadow Palette ($81) and Disco Drama Eye Shadow Palette Set ($54).
Bobbi Brown's Golden Glamour Collection is available in boutiques and online on sephora.sg and lazada.sg.
Need more Christmas gift ideas? Check out 8 new perfumes that just launched in November or 10 beauty gift sets presented in beautiful holiday-edition packaging.
